The motor also plays a key role in the dishwasher’s ability to drain water. If the motor is not functioning properly, it will have a negative effect on the draining capability of the appliance. Test the dishwasher’s motor for continuity.
To administer the motor test, disconnect the power source for the dishwasher first. Locate the motor, behind the lower access panel. Remove the panel. Next, disconnect the motor’s two wires that lead from the wiring harness. Set the multi-meter to the RX1 setting. Touch each of the meter’s probes to one terminal each. The motor should show little resistance, a reading of zero or very close to it. Next, check the ground connection. Place one probe on the bare metal housing of the motor, place the other probe on each terminal, one at a time. The meter should not show any reading. If the motor fails either of these tests, replace it.
Some dishwasher models have a valve that must open in order for the water to drain out of the appliance, known as a drain valve. The valve is controlled by a solenoid, but the timer decides when the valve should open. If the timer is working okay, check the drain valve and the solenoid. They might need to be replaced.
Last, check the garbage disposal. The plumbing between the dishwasher and the garbage disposal are connected, so if the garbage disposal isn’t working properly, the dishwasher might not be the problem at all.
If your dishwasher still is not functioning properly after checking all of these areas, it is time to call a trusted professional. A plumber and/or repairman can fix the problem and assist you in preventing similar problems in the future.
In the future, try a few simple things to prevent a clogged dishwasher. Be sure to rinse all food and debris from dishes before loading them into the dishwasher to avoid any full baskets or hoses. Take care of your garbage disposal too, by throwing away larger food items and not packing the disposal full of food. Run cold water over the disposal before, during and after use to be sure all items are properly flushed out of the drain and pipes. Stop using powdered detergents. These soaps can turn into “grease” in pipes, which will eventually cause clogging. Avoid this by switching to liquid dish soap made for dishwashers. Of course, it never hurts to check the dishwasher and its parts on a regular basis to make sure everything is in its proper working order.
To administer the motor test, disconnect the power source for the dishwasher first. Locate the motor, behind the lower access panel. Remove the panel. Next, disconnect the motor’s two wires that lead from the wiring harness. Set the multi-meter to the RX1 setting. Touch each of the meter’s probes to one terminal each. The motor should show little resistance, a reading of zero or very close to it. Next, check the ground connection. Place one probe on the bare metal housing of the motor, place the other probe on each terminal, one at a time. The meter should not show any reading. If the motor fails either of these tests, replace it.
Some dishwasher models have a valve that must open in order for the water to drain out of the appliance, known as a drain valve. The valve is controlled by a solenoid, but the timer decides when the valve should open. If the timer is working okay, check the drain valve and the solenoid. They might need to be replaced.
Last, check the garbage disposal. The plumbing between the dishwasher and the garbage disposal are connected, so if the garbage disposal isn’t working properly, the dishwasher might not be the problem at all.
If your dishwasher still is not functioning properly after checking all of these areas, it is time to call a trusted professional. A plumber and/or repairman can fix the problem and assist you in preventing similar problems in the future.
In the future, try a few simple things to prevent a clogged dishwasher. Be sure to rinse all food and debris from dishes before loading them into the dishwasher to avoid any full baskets or hoses. Take care of your garbage disposal too, by throwing away larger food items and not packing the disposal full of food. Run cold water over the disposal before, during and after use to be sure all items are properly flushed out of the drain and pipes. Stop using powdered detergents. These soaps can turn into “grease” in pipes, which will eventually cause clogging. Avoid this by switching to liquid dish soap made for dishwashers. Of course, it never hurts to check the dishwasher and its parts on a regular basis to make sure everything is in its proper working order.
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